Hitting the Slopes with Young Kids

Ski outings were an integral part of family life when I was growing up in South Tahoe.  I remember having a strong desire to join my older brothers and sister on the slopes when I was only 4 years old.  My earliest memories at Heavenly Valley Ski Resort are of standing with my mom and watching the brightly clad skiers sliding across the glittering snow and into lift lines where they would ascend into the mysterious heavens.  “What’s it like?” If you are an avid skier yourself, you might have kids who are as eager to hit the slopes as I was.  When is a good age to start and should you teach them yourself or send them to ski school?

As a kindergarten teacher and someone who could ski before I could read, I sometimes get questions from parents about the ideal age to start teaching kids to ski.  Most parents are concerned about their child getting hurt or not being ready physically and mentally.  Recently,  a couple of friends invited me to join them and their two young children on a ski trip. They wanted to know what I thought about putting their older son, who was 4, onto skis and into lessons for the first time.  Memories of my childhood flooded back . . . the desire to ski, the tumbles down the bunny slope, and the years of fun.  In order to have a good family experience with a young new skier, there are a few things you need to consider.

Age Readiness
Not all kids are ready at the same age.  Some children as young as 3 years old may be ready to ski, while others may not be ready until they’re older.  Like learning your ABCs or beginning to read, some kids develop the ability to pick up a skill at an earlier age.  You know your child best, so if she or he isn’t excited about skiing or has trouble following instructions, then wait.  Don’t push them into it.  It may be better for you to start them later.  Don’t, however, put off your ski trip.  Find other fun snow activities for them to do while you ski.  Most resorts offer childcare and snow programs for non-skiers, so they can enjoy the snow while they continue to grow and mature.

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Lessons
Yes, expensive but necessary!  I took lessons on my first day, but paying for rentals, snow clothes, tickets for you and your child, and lessons can really add up Should you go it alone and teach them yourself?  Probably not.  Younger children are less likely to last all day when on skis for the first time, so unless you plan to spend half the day at the lodge building snowmen with them, you may want to splurge on a lesson.  Enroll your kids in the earliest lesson or program of the day to take advantage of their morning excitement and energy. They will learn a lot from a professional instructor who regularly teaches beginners.  Group programs are also great.  Learning with other children who are beginners will help prevent frustration and make the day fun.  If they have fun, they’ll learn and want to keep trying.

Trekaroo family NJR says: ”The kids only ski a couple of hours - once in the morning and once in the afternoon. For parents who want to have some adult ski-time, it's great. You can leave your child and they'll get used to skiing, plus have fun while you can - do hit the tougher runs…”  read more »

Equipment
Ski or snowboard?  Poles or not?  Rent or buy?  Some of your decisions depend on personal preference.  Other decisions will make learning easier and more fun.
 
1.    Child’s Harness?  Through the wise use of a child’s harness, parents can control a budding skier’s speed and provide the child with enough support to make it easier to slide down the hill safely and have fun.  A bit of caution though . . . don’t use a harness if you are on a snowboard.  You need to be able to slide down the hill at a snails pace and stop easily.  Anybody who has ever tried to move slowly on a snowboard knows how difficult it is, so stick with skis when using a harness.

2.    Skip the ski poles!  Poles are more harmful than helpful for beginners.  Skiing is about balance.  Poles give beginners a false sense of support and make learning to balance difficult.

3.    Rent or Buy?  It is usually cheaper to rent boots, skis, snowboards, and helmets for your visit.  Wait until after your child learns to ski well before buying equipment.

4.    Ski or Snowboard?  It is better to put the youngest kids on skis rather than snowboards.   Skis are more natural and less frustrating for young children.  For this reason, most resorts do not offer snowboarding lessons for the youngest kids.

Most importantly, have fun!  You and your family will have years of exciting ski vacations to look forward to.

Quick Tips For A First Family Ski Trip
Here are a few ideas for saving time and money to make the trip fun.

• Check which resorts offer packages for beginners.  Many resorts offer killer deals that include lessons, rentals, a beginner’s lift ticker, and sometimes lunch.
• Make Reservations for kids programs in advance at popular resorts and on busy weekends.
• Pack gear and clothing in advance.  Double check.  Gloves, goggles, hats, chapstick, and sunblock are expensive to buy at ski resorts.
• If renting gear, get it before you go from an outdoor or sports store like REI.  Rental lines at ski resorts can be long and slow.  You and your family will get on the slopes faster if you arrive with gear in tow.
  
• Save on food.  Pack a lunch and snacks for the family, then rent a locker when you get to the resort. 

Top Beginner’s Programs at Popular Resorts

Kirkwood Programs
Little Rippers (ages 4-6)
Mountain Explorers (ages 7-12)
These programs provide a day of fun, safe learning for beginning skiers.
Read reviews of Kirkwood

Heavenly Valley Programs 
The Firecrackers (Skiing for ages 4-5)
The Blasters (Snowboarding for ages 5-6)
The Rockets (Skiing for ages 6-13, Snowboarding for ages 7-13)
Full-Day Sessions - lesson, equipment, helmet, lift pass and lunch (All skill levels, approximately five hours of coaching) $175/$195
Read reviews of Heavenly Valley Programs


Squaw Valley
Snow Cubs - Ages 3 and young 4 year olds
Snow Sliders ages 4 – 6
Junior Mountain Program ages 7-12
Snowboarding Program ages 7-12
Read reviews of Squaw Valley

Had a great experience with a particular ski program for kids anywhere in the country? Add a comment to include it in this list.